As part of an ongoing portfolio of formaldehyde research by scientists at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (UNC), additional new data conclusively support existing science-based safe formaldehyde thresholds.

Security Code

Security is a top priority for America’s leading chemical producers. Responsible Care® companies are leaders in chemical security and work closely with federal, state and local intelligence authorities to safeguard our communities.

After September 11, 2001, ACC members took the lead to enhance security against terrorism. Without waiting for government direction, the ACC Board of Directors adopted the
Responsible Care Security Code to further enhance the security of our facilities, our communities and the essential products we produce.

The Responsible Care Security Code is recognized by local, state and federal governments as a model security program for chemical facilities and other U.S. industries. Through Responsible Care, ACC member companies have enhanced coordination, conducted training and safety drills, and shared important security information with local emergency response teams.

The Security Code predates federal security regulations and has served as a model for subsequent regulatory action under the Department of Homeland Security’s (DHS)
Chemical Facility Anti-terrorism Standards program. In addition, through the
SAFETY Act, DHS has recognized the Security Code as a Qualified Anti-Terrorism Technology, which provides ACC members and Responsible Care Partners with certain liability protections in the event of a terrorist action at their facilities.

HOW THE RESPONSIBLE CARE SECURITY CODE WORKS

Under the Security Code’s 13 management practices – which address facility, cyber and transportation/value chain security – companies must conduct comprehensive security vulnerability assessments (SVAs) and implement security enhancements under a strict timeline, using methods approved by nationally recognized security experts. Companies also must obtain independent verification to prove they have made required physical site security measures identified during the SVA.

Prioritization and Assessment of Sites

Companies initially prioritize their facilities according to a four-tier system based on vulnerability and then conduct SVAs at all facilities.

Implementation of Security Measures

After completing the SVA process, companies implement security enhancements to control or mitigate identified risks to facility, cyber and value chain security, based on the 13 management practices.

Protecting Information and Cyber-Security: Safeguarding information and process control systems is a critical component of sound security management and an essential part of the Security Code.

Training, Drills and Guidance: Emergency preparedness is a hallmark of the Responsible Care initiative. Training, drills and guidance enhance security awareness and capabilities across the business of chemistry.

Communications, Dialogue and Information Exchange: The Security Code emphasizes cooperation among chemical producers, customers, suppliers, and shippers and establishing and maintaining a constructive, consistent dialogue with government agencies.

Response to Security Threats and Incidents: Companies evaluate, respond, report and communicate security threats as appropriate and have a process in place to respond to incidents and take corrective action.

Security Code implementation is monitored by ACC and companies that do not meet specific deadlines are held accountable, at the senior executive level, by a Board-level Responsible Care governance process.